MELAKA, Oct 31 – Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh will continue as Melaka Chief Minister if BN wins the upcoming state election.
However, Zahid stressed that the final appointment remains under the authority of the Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.
As BN chairman, Zahid said he would propose Ab Rauf’s name for the position if the coalition secures victory.
He made the statement after accompanying Ab Rauf to the nomination centre for the Tanjung Bidara state seat in Alor Gajah on Saturday.
Zahid Seeks Voters’ Support
Zahid said BN would first seek a fresh mandate from the people of Melaka in the November 14 election.
He urged voters to assess the state government’s performance under Ab Rauf’s leadership before making their decision.
He also expressed hope that the election campaign would remain peaceful. Zahid said political parties should avoid smear campaigns and improper tactics.
BN and PN to Contest All 28 Seats
Zahid confirmed that BN and its strategic partner, Perikatan Nasional (PN), would contest all 28 state seats.
He said UMNO would contest 18 seats, while MCA would contest four and MIC one. PN partners would contest the remaining five seats.
Zahid described the seat arrangement as a sign of cooperation among the parties.
He also noted that MCA had accepted its allocated seats, despite earlier speculation that the party might boycott the election or object to the arrangement.
Melaka Polling Day Set for November 14
The Election Commission has set November 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election.
Early voting will take place on November 10.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
